New Cinema’s ‘go’ pictures

Network launched in 2006

New Cinema Network, launched in 2006, has yielded a solid set of “go” pictures.

Projects in pre-production(financing completed)“Another Kind of Silence,” by Buenos Aires-born French helmer-scribe Santiago Amigorena (“A Few Days in September”). Co-produced by Argentina’s KS Films, Canada’s Max Films and Paris-based Gloria Films, with broadcasters Arte and Canal Plus also onboard, Amigorena’s sophomore pic is scheduled to start shooting in December with Juliette Binoche attached as the cop. Presented in 2006.“One More Croissant,” by Estonian helmer Ilmar Raag (“The Class”). Shooting on “Croissant” is scheduled to start in spring 2009, co-produced by Paris-based Milena Poylo and her TS Prods. and Tallin-based Riina Sildos’ Amrion shingle. Presented in 2007.

Projects in post-production“Tide of Sand,” by Mexican helmer-producer Gustavo Montiel (“Limbo”). A Patagonia-shot psychological drama toplining Mexican star Damian Alcazar (“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”). Co-produced by Mexico’s Visuarte and Asecine, Argentina’s Maiz and Spain’s Video On, “Tide” completed shooting in May. Presented in 2007. “Brim,” by Icelandic helmer Arni Olafur Asgeirsson (“Thicker Than Water”). “Brim” is based on the play by Jon Atli Jonasson. “Brim” is produced by Reykjavic’s Zik Zak Filmworks and expected to bow in early 2009. Presented in 2006.“The Milk of Sorrow,” by Barcelona-based Peruvian helmer Claudia Llosa (“Madeinusa”). “Milk” is produced by Wanda Vision and Oberon Cinematograficas of Spain plus Llosa’s own Vela Films. Presented in 2007.

Completed Projects“The Basque Hell,” by Spanish helmer Inaki Arteta. A feature-length docu about the consequences of separatist terrorism on life in the Basque region. It follows Arteta’s first feature, docu “Thirteen Among a Thousand,” an interview-based investigation on the same subject. Self-produced “Basque Hell” will bow during the Seminci-Valladolid Intl. Film Festival in October. Presented in 2006.“Plastic City,” by Hong Kong helmer-cinematographer Yu Lik-wai. Yu’s Sao Paulo-set gangster pic infused with Asian genre elements toplines Hong Kong thesp Anthony Wong and Japanese star Jo Odagiri as father-and-son immigrant gangsters pitted against each other and against the Brazilian mafia. Pic marking the first foray into genre filmmaking by acclaimed filmmaker Yu (“All Tomorrow’s Parties”) is a rare Brazil (Gullane Films), Hong Kong (Sundream Entertainment, Xstream) and Japan (Bitters End) co-production. “Plastic City” will bow in competition in Venice. Presented in 2006.